Season 1978-79

Howell Phillips - several seasons in the 1st XV pack, was captain, Kim Jarvis leading the Wanderers. The arrival at the Club of John Hunt, a scrum half with Albion experience, solved a position that had long created problems, whilst the old firm in the back row of Rogers, Baskerville and Lavis still operated on most occasions.

South Molton were narrowly beaten 6-3 in the opening round of the Devon cup, the Argaum team: Borrowdale, Willcocks, Sharpe, Gamblen, Skerton, Worth, Hunt, Mannell B, Phillips, Crowther, Walker, Rogers, Pascoe and Lavis. Unfortunately, Howell Phillips was injured in this match which side-lined him for some weeks, Peter Gamblen taking over the captaincy. Dartmouth were comfortably disposed of 30-4 in the next round tries by Dave Sharpe, Terry Pascoe, Fred Rogers (2) and Kevin Skerton, with 2 Geoff Baskerville penalties and 2 conversions by full back Geoff Geary.

St Austell inflicted a crushing 0-53 defeat in October, reversed early in December at Bickleigh Down, 16-7, the press remarking that since their defeat by Argaum, St Austell had lost their last four games - thereafter increased to five! The next round saw the defeat of the College of St Mark and St John; scorers Brian Willcocks, Fred Rogers and John Hunt, plus a Geoff Baskerville penalty and a conversion. The report speaks of "the steadying influence of a very experienced back row". This left the field open for Exeter University in the next round, but unhappily, there is neither a report nor result available, but as there is no further mention of cup rugby for the Club, the conclusion is inevitable!

Defeats at the hands of OPMs, Truro, Launceston (twice), Exmouth (twice) and Newquay Hornets (twice), however, Plymouth Albion Extras were contained 12-10 due largely to John Hunt’s brilliant line kicking, coupled by a Kim Jarvis try, plus 8 points from Geoff Baskerville’s boot to a try and two penalties. The season ended on a saddish note, Newquay Hornets and Launceston between them scoring 85 points.

The colts, under the tutelage of former captain Tony Blonden, excelled themselves, by reaching the final of the Devon Colts Cup, disposing of Plymouth Albion Juniors en route, to face a very experienced Barnstaple Colts side, in their first ever final. In the event, they went down 0-10. "Before probably the largest crowd ever seen at Bickleigh Down, the Plymouth side was subjected to tremendous pressure most of the game, but defended valiantly, particularly through the captain Jerry Woolerton and flanker Mark Hopper. The final quarter saw the home backs come into the game, when at last the pack was able to provide them with some possession, but they were unable to break through.

Additional Info

1st XV Captain:Howell Phillips

2nd XV Captain:Kim Jarvis

Update To Centenary History:Argaum won the Alex Dow Plate, The Combination Sevens Trophy for first round losers by beating Plymouth Polytechnic 12-6 in the final.